SE Regional Special Sessions allow for high-detail, high-return educational experiences that benefit your operation.
Our advice?
Bring your farm team to divide and conquer these individual topics and maximize your education at this 2027 event!
Registration for the SE Regional Conference is required to register for special sessions. Separate registration is required for all additional events. Registration is limited.
*Requires additional registration and/or fees to attend
** If the minimum number has not registered by November 7, 2026, the remaining registrants for that session will be notified, by email, of the cancellation and their workshop fee reimbursement.
Thursday, January 7, 2027
North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association Annual Meeting*
Fee: See registration details for pricing information.
NARBA’s 2027 Annual Meeting, held with the SE Regional Conference, delivers a packed program of caneberry-focused education. This session offers premium opportunities to network, learn about the latest advancements in research, and hear about emerging technologies in the caneberry industry. Topics include Raspberry & Blackberry Breeding Updates, Pest & Disease Research, Agriculture New Technology, Production Management, Plant Management, Food Safety and Berry Special Topics! NARBA will also host the NARBA Wednesday Social as well as it’s popular Industry Showcase, featuring exhibits of products and services for caneberry growers, on Thursday, January 7th only. Attendees have the option to register for the NARBA + SE Regional Full Conference Bundle for access to Friday’s SE Regional Caneberry Educational Conference allowing for two full days of caneberry-focused education.
Bell Pepper Pest Management Strategic Plan Workshop*
Fee: $0 | Max: 60
The Pest Management Strategic Plan (PMSP) for Bell Pepper in the Southern Region outlines priorities for research, regulation, and outreach to guide activities such as EPA registration of pesticides, government and other agencies allocation of funds for research, scientists in their research endeavors, and other activities related to solving pest management issues. Researchers and Extension Agents are encouraged to join a technical discussion at 10 AM. Growers, industry representatives, specialists, regulators, and processors are invited to lunch before participating in applicable discussions that will update this important document. We will be discussing the on the ground efficacy of pest management strategies, as well as discussing priorities for the industry to be included in the official document.
Putting the National Cantaloupe and Netted Melon Guidance into Practice: Key Best Practices, Dos and Don’ts
Fee: $200 | Max: 50 | Min: 20**
This four-hour workshop will provide a practical review of the National Cantaloupe and Netted Melon Guidance Document and appendices, focusing on the recommendations most relevant to cantaloupe and netted melon growers/shippers in the Southeast Region. This workshop will bring together subject matter experts to discuss key best practices and important dos and don’ts. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and to discuss how those best practices can be applied within their own operations. Refreshments and training materials will be provided.
A.I. in Food Safety: Practical Tools and Techniques for Food Safety Documentation*
Fee: $200 | Max: 50 | Min: 20**
This workshop introduces participants to the practical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for developing and refining food safety documents (e.g., Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), plans). Through a combination of presentations, case studies, and hands-on breakout sessions, participants will build a foundation in AI concepts, learn to navigate the AI tools landscape, and practice prompt engineering strategies for tailored outputs. The workshop will also walk through both the opportunities and challenges of AI-assisted documentation within food safety programs to ensure that participants can integrate AI safely and responsibly into their documentation workflows. No technical background is
required.
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course
Fee: $75 | Max: 50
This special session is for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in 112.22(c) that requires “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”
Friday, January 8, 2027
Women’s Networking Session
Fee: $95
Back by popular demand, join the ladies of GFVGA for a morning of connection, inspiration, and professional growth at the Westin. This annual brunch brings women across the fruit and vegetable industry together to network, build meaningful relationships, and gain valuable insights from an engaging, featured presentation. Whether you’re a grower, industry professional, or supporter, you’ll leave encouraged, connected, and inspired.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Annual Awards Breakfast
Fee: $45
Join us to recognize excellence in the produce industry! This breakfast will unveil annual awards from the GA and SC Peach Council and the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association for outstanding service, representation, and impact.